MUSIC

Be there for the can’t-miss event of Boston’s concert season in this Boston Early Music Festival year of triumphant returns, as BEMF turns again to Marc-Antoine Charpentier for its fourth annual Chamber Opera Series production. Charpentier, the composer of Actéon in BEMF’s first presentation of chamber operas in 2008, is the creator of both works in this year’s double bill exploring the transcendental power of music.

The tragic La Descente d’Orphée aux Enfers tells the famous story of Orphée who decends into the underworld to rescue his beloved Euridice using his musical charms. La Couronne de Fleurs, based on a text by Molière, depicts a musical contest in tribute to Louis XIV as shepherds vie for a crown of flowers from the goddess Flora for the most beautiful and eloquent aria. These miniature masterpieces showcase one of the great composers of the French Baroque.

Pre-concert talks: Join us one hour before each performance for an engaging talk featuring members of the BEMF Directorial Team.

Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs, Musical Directors
Gilbert Blin, Stage Director
Anna Watkins, Costume Designer
Melinda Sullivan, Choreographer